A&E: Behind the Scene, March 31

Mar. 28, 2013

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Who is that kid?

The New York saxophonist Jerry Dodgion might spot a vaguely familiar face when he comes to town for a concert next week at Drake University’s Turner Jazz Center.

He was part of the Benny Goodman Band that toured the Soviet Union back in 1965. The group’s trumpeter, Jimmy Maxwell, took along his son as the “band boy,” who is the only unidentified person in a group photo Dodgion still has from the trip.

That mystery kid went on to become a Russian scholar, better known as Drake University President David Maxwell.

Dodgion’s concert is set for 7:30 p.m. April 9, with fellow saxophonist Rob Scheps in a quintet. $15 for adults, $7 for students. 515-271-3841

It's party time (no kidding)

StageWest’s first-ever Fools Ball is set for Friday night at downtown’s West End Salvage, and guests are encouraged to celebrate “the fool in each of us or those around us,” the invitation says, “whether it’s a politician, entertainer, a fictional character, your neighbor or boss.”

So if you go, be careful. You never know who might show up. Tickets to the event that features live music and goodies are $50 for “buffoons” (under 35), $75 for “jokers” and $150 for VIP “court jesters.” www.stagewestfoolsball.com

March Madness with Des Moines Performing Arts

Don’t worry if your basketball bracket went kaput. You can still place bets on the 2013-2014 Broadway series at the Civic Center, which Des Moines Performing Arts plans to announce Monday. Go to DesMoinesRegister.com/OnstageIowa to vote on which national tour you’d most (and least) like to see here in Des Moines. Find complete coverage of the announcement online Monday night and in Tuesday’s paper.